‘Hair’ comes to LPAC this Sunday

The popular 1960s musical Hair will be performed on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC), 750 W. Lancaster Blvd.

Often referred to as the “American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,” Hair debuted in 1967 as an off-Broadway revue of the ‘60s counterculture and sexual revolution movements with songs penned by James Rado and Gerome Ragni. During the era of the hippies, yippies, flower children, free love, Black Panthers, La Raza, women’s liberation and anti-war movements, Hair was controversial in its depiction of racism, environmental destruction, poverty, sexism/sexual repression and politics. Thus, long hair was the mantra of the young people who vowed then to “never trust anyone over 30.” Whether it was flowing blond manes, shaggy beards or defiant Afros, the hairstyle was used as a symbol not only of rebellion but also as a rejection of “establishment” boundaries, racial segregation as well as restrictive gender roles. The show is most famous for its universal themes of individuality, experimentation and acceptance in the face of oppression and social rejection.

Clothing from other cultures, particularly the Third World and Native Indians, came to represent the hippies’ awareness of the global community and their rejection of so-called American imperialism abroad and commercialism at home. Hair largely integrated the Broadway musical as one-third of the original cast was African American.

Among the chart-topping hits that became anthems of American counterculture are “Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In,” by the Fifth Dimension, “Good Morning, Starshine” by Oliver, “Easy to be Hard” by Three Dog Night and the title tune. All of the original songs and a few new ones from the first production will be performed by The Tribe.

The LPAC box office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For tickets or more information, call (661) 723-5950.